For your viewing pleasure

Maybe we are strange, I don't know, ok we are a little strange, but I think that going without a shirt is even more strange. For some reason so many guys love to just walk around without a shirt. Sure on a beach this is acceptable, in the privacy of your home it is too, and it is completely normal when you are swimming.

The no shirt conversation comes up every evening in our house, not for the reasons you might think but because we have the fat naked guy that doesn't know how to close his blinds. Many of you may recall the story line from the show Friends about their ugly fat naked guy that they poked with a make-shift stick and now we are living that story line. It is crazy. This old guy sits right in front of his window so that the whole world can see him without a shirt. He does this until about midnight and is up around 5 to start the day on the same note.

One night we had some friends over for cards and even they noticed this phenomenon and also thought it was quite odd. The other morning I woke up, looked out to see if it snowed and there was they old guy trying to put a tank top on. I wanted to cheer him on. Then the tank top got stuck part way and once again he was shirtless. Here is the big question.... How many people don't understand that if a light is shining bright in your house after dark and the blinds are open anyone on the outside can see in ? You basically have a spotlight on you..... This is not rocket science..... But, it does make for interesting conversation. Now that all of you know what we talk about every night enjoy the weekend and try not to think too much about the ugly naked dude.... just try.

Picture this

After the shock of last week, life goes on and we have so much fun. We got some snow over the weekend and before the super cold weather hit it was play time for Jason and Colin. Jason loves to throw snow at the tree and especially loves to throw it at his dad. I think my favorite moment was when Jason got Colin to make snow angels with him..... a very funny memory. While the big kids played outside, Jake and played inside because it was only 7 degrees out. It was a blast and Jacob believes the plant stand is his fort. What a wonderful weekend. We just had a blast and are very happy it is above zero again. It was pretty shocking when it hit -27. Moe gets her stitches out today so WOOOO!!!!HOOOO!!!!!!! That drama is over and she is feeling great. I hope all of you are having a wonderful week. Take care........................

Making snow angels.... the dogs were a big help.

Jason hitting his dad in the side of the head with a snowball.

Jacob in his fort.

Staying tough

As people around the nation are experiencing huge loss in this market we can watch but a person really doesn't know how it feels until it happens to them. Some companies are pro-active and make the necessary cost cuts while others just pray and don't change a thing ending with layoffs. In the last week the cross hairs that have come across so many fell upon us, but thank goodness our income comes from one of those pro-active companies so everyone still has a job. That is the joy of working for a smart company that cares so much for it's employees. Each person isn't a number they have a name and their families matter too. I have to admit we went through a few stages before we came down to reality (anger, sadness, and self pitty). We are so very fortunate for everything we have. We are all healthy, happy, and life continues to be good. As long as we have each other everything will be wonderful. Unlike so many we are hoping that oil and gas prices recover instead of continuing to drop. All a person can do is hope and we have a whole lot of that. Now I must get back to playing with the boys.... I think Matchbox cars and Lego's are on the list for this morning. Have a great week everyone..................................

A OK

Moe is home. She went in for surgery at 9 this morning and came out just fine. She is very tired and doesn't feel great, but is doing well. Jason is pretty worried about her. He has been asking about her all day and is very happy she is home. He just wishes he could play with her. She should be back to her wild self in just over a week. Have a great weekend everyone..............

Another full week

This week began crazy like every other week does, but as the kids are getting more active and we become more active the crazy gets more exciting and enjoyable. We have a blast playing, laughing, joking, and our new favorite is play doh. Jason loves to build things and Jake likes to eat it.... I am just thankful it is non-toxic. It has been warm enough to go for walks every day and I am happy to report that I can walk when I leave the gym this week.... a huge improvement over last week.

Jake chasing the camera again.

Eating, these growing boys do a lot of that and it shows.

We are also chomping at the bit over the house. We can't wait until April 1st when we close and we can start to do work on this diamond in the rough. I have never been in another place where having 20+ deer in your yard at a time is normal. I love how they come up to the window and look at us. Some people that come and visit comment on how tame they are... that is not necessarily true. We share the same residence. We give the deer their space and they give us ours... most of the time. They are still wild and I would never walk up to them.... but they are curious and at times walk up to us. I found two sleeping on our front porch this morning around 8. They are beautiful and so much fun to watch.... Our personal favorite is a doe with her two fawns. It is so cool to witness and be a part of this place.

A video of a deer watching me while I unloaded the pickup in the garage... I just had to grab the camera to show all of you how close they get to us.

On another note, Moe is going to finally get fixed tomorrow. I think the hardest part of this surgery will be keeping the kids off of her. She is also a drama queen. But, tomorrow night it will be all over but the healing.

Have a great week everyone and prep for the big snow to come.... It should be good snowman weather. YIPPY!!!!

Double team

I knew it would happen eventually, but I hoped it wouldn't happen so soon. A zone defense can only get a person so far. Jason and Jake finally teamed up to work against me in the worst way. If you have a sensitive stomach please look away and stop reading.

Our morning was going just fine and then Jason (who is getting better about going potty in the toilet) decided to mess his pants, but this time he went over bored. So, not knowing what else to do, I tossed him in the tub. Then I heared a splash splash splash..... At that moment I hoped with all that I am that Jake wasn't in the toilet, but hope can only do so much, he was..... I had stinky in the bathtub and squirter splashing away in the toilet. Not my proudest moment as a parent. After jumping to wash Jacob up I closed him in his room and went back to clean up his big bro. The mess was eventually clean, but it left permanent emotional scars on me.

I am sure this isn't the last time the kids will team up on me, but I hope next time it isn't as messy.

We had a great weekend and the boys made a great step over the two days. They are now sharing a room. When we moved Jason's stuff into the big room... he was all about celebrating. Since the big move he won't stop talking about how he and Jake share a room..... they are both very happy about it. Another great part of this move is that we now have a guest room. So, if you come and stay you have your own space. This is a strong hint... remember we love company. Have a great week and enjoy this warm weather.

Found

After hunting and hunting what was lost now is found. I have to say that the first place I will look in the future will be the toy box. Since my last post a lot has been going on. Jason hatched his first foam turtle, I joined a gym, we took the boys swimming at a pool here in town, and Jason had a checkup for his eyes.

The cutest boys I have ever seen...... I just love those little men.

Truck ride for the men.

My big football man.

We don't let the cold keep us from our walks.

I have to start with the turtle. Grandpa Jay and Grandma Connie got Jason a science project for his birthday. It is a fake egg with a foam turtle in it. We submerged it in water and then over time the absorbed the water and grew cracking through the egg and growing even more. It took about 72 hours and it was complete. The following pictures show the eggs progress.

At this point Jason realized it wasn't a real turtle and was a little distraught, but then decided that was ok and the excitement continued.

I also joined the fitness center here in town this week..... just another thing to keep me busy. They have this great play room and the kids love it there. In fact the first day Jason didn't want to leave so I had to drag him up the stairs and to the pickup. Then in the parking lot he had a massive fit and threw himself on the ground. The crying finally stopped an hour later. The next day was much better, but Jason looks forward to going to the gym every day.

Night before last some friends called and suggested that we all go swimming. So, we bundled up the boys and gathered all of our swimming stuff to go for a dip. It sure is a luxury having the hot springs right here. The boys had a blast. As always Jason didn't want to leave, but Jake was falling asleep right there in the pool. It was time, but we will go back soon.

Yesterday the boys and I headed to Cody for Jason's eye appointment. As I always say, he is doing great. We just got the confirmation on that. His glasses have been a miracle. He is more confident, happy, and loves to discover new things. One of the strangest developments since he got his glasses is that he is sure there are monsters in his closet and he is now afraid of the dark. In the past he could never see the shadows and now he sees it all. So, every day Colin reassures him and does a closet check. It is kind of cute.... Thank God for glasses and developmental screenings.

I hope everyone is having a great week. Take care of yourselves. I will keep on posting pics now that the camera has been found. Have fun................

My sweet ones relaxing last night.

The boys sit at the table to eat every morning for breakfast.... Jake doesn't even fall off of his chair.... So sweet.

WOOOOO!!!!!HOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

First I must start this post off with a whole hearted appology that there are no pics...... I really can't find the camera. I am going to get my super search on today though. I am sure it will turn up soon.

On another note, I can't believe how fast things change. It was just two months ago we were hoping our house would sell. Then came the wild season when we closed on our house, celebrated Christmas, celebrated our anniversary, partied it down for Jason's big number 3, and took on the New Year by the horns. Now things are changing again.

A few days ago we discussed purchasing the house we have been renting. Now we are writing up the papers and will be home owners once again around April 1st. I do recall Colin telling me that we had to buy this house since we weren't moving again, now it looks like he was right. Our new house is anything but new. It is a Brady Bunch special. Complete with an automated lazy susan, a purple wall hung toilet, brownish orange appliances, it is a sight to behold. I love it though and believe that it will be our dream house soon. Also, if you want to buy go for it now... intrest rates are very low and you won't believe what is out there.

We have already made many memories here (in just a couple of months) and look forward to the memories we will make here. Can't wait to show all of you the new digs. Have a great time everyone and enjoy the ton of snow we all received in the area. We sure will....... till I find the camera, enjoy.

Checkups

The boys went to the doc today for their well check ups and boy are they healthy. Jason is 39 inches and he has lost a little weight and is now 39 pounds, but doing very well. Jacob is 19 pounds 10.5 ounces and is 29 inches long. As always Jason is at the top of the size and weight range and Jake is average... cuter than average though. Both boys got shots and Jason has once again proven that he is the tough man.... he does much better with shots than I do. But the boys are very cute and loving life.

Jake stood up in the middle of the floor last week without any help... so I don't think walking is too far in our future. That is if he decides that walking is more convenient than his speed crawling. Jason told Colin that he wishes he was little like him so that they could get bunk beds together too. He is always full of things like that. I hope all of you are doing well and I will have pictures posted over the weekend. The nice weather was calling to me so we spent the last couple of days outside instead of blogging. Take care and look forward to the pics to come.

Honor the Donners and Some

Our large family.... Donners and honorary Donners.

As I mentioned before, we had a big family vacation to South Dakota. There was a large group of us that stayed in a vacation house that could have easily fit more people. It was huge!!!! Also, the house offered a few days for all of us to peak into the lives of the wealthy.

The tale began Tuesday morning as we packed up and hit the road. Before we could get out of the house, Jake had to eat a little dog food. Mae was a little apprehensive about sharing, but conceded in the end. We had a very leisurely trip stopping in Casper to visit friends and watching a lot of movies along the way. On a side note, Jason knows every word of Cars by heart.

Jake and the food..

Just as we were pulling up to the house, we both realized, it was a mansion. Then the sense of awe was interrupted by the news of Shanahan being fired..... a shadow cast on the mood. This shadow didn't last long though.... the fun was just about to begin.

When we walked in, the whole fam was there minus dad and Dave who were on their way. Jason saw Lane and Chance and without hesitation, the play was on. The rooms were picked with a perfect area, including a crib just perfect for our little fam. We took a tour and then it was a shopping trip for the ladies. When you have that many people you have to shop... I mean really shop. We made it back with large amounts of food, beverages, a few gifts and Aunt Diane didn't even push an old lady..... overall a very successful outing.

After a dinner of chicken and a little pizza that the birthday boy requested and decided he didn't want at last minute, dad and Dave arrived. Then it was time for the great gift exchange..... When you have that many people, two celebrating birthdays and the rest exchanging Christmas gifts there is a whole lot of paper carnage. It was something to admire. And to finish off the bash we had to eat cake cake and more cake..... (One ended up doing a party at another house....... a multi-use cake). After a lot of visiting and catching up.... the game room rocked by the way, it was bed time. Most of the people in the house slept, but as always the young Moody men don't believe in sleep. So 2 hours had to get us by.

The boys having a bite.

Jake likes pizza too... almost ate a half of a piece.

Grandpa and Jason... preparing their lungs for blowing out the candles.

Rip and tear.

Jason wanted to play a lot of football now that he really can look like football man (that is what he calls himself now).

Jake with his new Broncos mascot...... still thinking about the coaching change.

Jason in front of his pile.

But wait... there is more.

The next morning came way too fast...... as you can imagine. But, the sunrise was very pretty. When I got down stairs.... I was informed that mom had already spilled V8 on the white carpeted stairs.... and the theme of the trip was born..... "We have insurance." It turns out that Uncle Mike had spilled some beer on the carpet the night before and Dave always has insurance when he is playing pool. It was New Years Eve day and we were all ready to celebrate.... some earlier than others.

The sunrise from the patio

Jake ready for a full day of finding things that he might be able to break.

Jason, Lane and Jake playing hard.



I was a zombie in this pic.

Aunt Diane getting some writing in before the rest of the house wakes.



Uncle Brian found the last beer in the fridge and decided that he should open it before anyone else got a chance despite the early hour.... it is vacation.

I have to admit that I did sneak a nap in a long nap, but I was one the few that was able to stay up to ring in the new year. We had a feast for lunch and many sandwiches were consumed before the leap second. By the way, Aunt Diane and Dave are excellent pinochle rookies and Jen can play like a pro even though it has been years. Also, Battle of the Sexes, 2nd edition takes a very long time so prepare yourself for that if you want to take it on. We were very happy that Matt came and joined in all of the game time fun. After a few hours of the game the women conceded and we moved on to Catch Phrase.... Bird noises and flapping arms always mean crows and if a name sounds like the word flower, it must be Flourance Henderson. And after struggling to stay up the new year had arrived. This meant bed time for me.

Lunch time...

More eating

It was a peaceful night until 2:30 rolled around. Colin and I heared Jason (he was on a mattress next to our bed) coughing and gagging..... then the fluid came out. He was getting sick... Colin jumped up and got him to the bathroom and the chain reaction began... lesson learned.... we must check to see if Jason is storing food in his mouth before he goes down for the night. Evidently ham can choke you when it falls out of the storage compartment in your cheek.

The next day came too fast. Our trip was coming to an end. We all packed, cleaned up and had our last big feast.... made up of the leftovers from the whole trip. This included a lot of chicken. The only fitting part of the breakfast was the toast. It was all good though. Before we could all go our own ways we had to have a picture taking marathon..... I didn't get grandpa and grandma Donners so if someone could pass that on to me, I would appreciate it. Also after going through my pictures I realized my camera spent most of its time in the kitchen. That is where I spent most of my time, but I would like to have some pics of the rest of the house too. Thanks for the help.

Uncle Mike and Matt...... Maybe next time Jesse and Josh will be able to make it.

Mom And Dad..... I could use a copy of this one too.

Grandma Denise and Grandpa Shane with the Boys.

How cute.

The Donner kids... Aunt Diane, Uncle Mike, and Mom.

The Franks.

All of us grandkids with Grandpa and Grandma Donner front and Center.

The kids with Grandpa and Grandma front and center..... they behave poorly.... more so than the grandkids.

Wouldn't our pics look good here in the den?

It was such a wonderful trip and we were sad to go, but it was nice to get home. The boys travelled better than we could have hoped and the pickup drives very well on bad roads. When we got home we were greeted by two very happy girl dogs and a lot of laundry. New Years brought so much fun and we were thankful to have that time together. Thank you all for such a great time and we look forward to our next adventure.... Honoring the Donners and Some Part II. Happy New Years to you all and may your new year bring joy into your lives.